CAT 2026 requires a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC, ST and PwD students) from a recognised university. There is no age limit and no cap on the number of attempts.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct CAT (Common Admission Test) every year for admission to MBA and management programmes. CAT 2026 eligibility criteria cover educational qualification, minimum graduation percentage required, category-wise relaxation and provisions for final year students. Checking these requirements before registration opens helps you apply without last-minute confusion.
- Minimum graduation marks: 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA for General, EWS and OBC-NC students.
- SC, ST and PwD students need at least 45% aggregate marks in graduation.
- No age limit applies for CAT 2026.
- No cap on the number of attempts — you can appear every year without restriction.
- Final year students in their graduation programme are eligible to register.
- Professional degree holders (CA, CS, ICWA) with equivalent qualification are also eligible.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria Overview
CAT 2026 eligibility criteria are set by the conducting IIM each year. The core conditions — a recognised Bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate percentage — remain consistent across cycles. The table below summarises all key parameters at a glance.
| Eligibility Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university |
| Minimum Marks (General / EWS / OBC-NC) | 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA |
| Minimum Marks (SC / ST / PwD) | 45% aggregate or equivalent CGPA |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply (provisional admission basis) |
| Professional Degree Holders | CA / CS / ICWA with required percentage are eligible |
Graduation Percentage Required for CAT 2026
General, EWS and OBC-NC students must secure at least 50% marks in their graduation. SC, ST and PwD students need a minimum of 45% marks. The percentage is calculated as aggregate marks across all years or semesters of the Bachelor’s programme.
If your university awards a CGPA, convert it to a percentage using the formula provided by your institution. Where no official conversion method is prescribed, divide the CGPA obtained by the maximum possible CGPA and multiply by 100. IIMs verify this conversion during the admission process.
Students who have completed a professional qualification such as Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS) or Cost Accountancy (ICWA) are also eligible provided they meet the percentage requirement applicable to their course.
| Category | Minimum Graduation Percentage |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 50% |
| OBC-NC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 50% |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 45% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 45% |
| PwD (Person with Disability) | 45% |
Age Limit for CAT 2026
There is no age limit for CAT 2026. Unlike many government competitive exams, IIMs do not impose an upper or lower age restriction for CAT registration. You can appear for CAT at any age as long as you hold the required educational qualification.
However, individual IIMs and other management institutions that accept CAT scores may apply their own age-related criteria during shortlisting or final admission. Always check the admissions policy of each specific institution alongside the common CAT eligibility conditions before applying.
Number of Attempts for CAT 2026
CAT 2026 imposes no restriction on the number of times you can attempt the exam. You may register and appear for CAT every year without any ceiling on attempts. Each attempt is independent — your performance in one year does not affect your eligibility in another.
Your CAT score is valid only for the admission cycle in which you appear. A score from CAT 2025 cannot be used for CAT 2026 admissions. Most IIMs and top business schools consider only the most recent valid CAT score for shortlisting.
CAT 2026 Eligibility for Final Year Students
Students appearing in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree programme are eligible to register for CAT 2026. If you are yet to complete graduation or are awaiting your final result, you can still apply and sit the exam.
Admission to any IIM or B-school is conditional on submitting proof of degree completion with the required minimum percentage before the deadline set by the institution. If you receive a provisional admission offer, you must submit your final mark sheets and degree certificate within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to meet the minimum percentage at degree completion will result in withdrawal of the provisional offer.
Category-wise Relaxation in CAT 2026 Eligibility
IIMs follow the Government of India reservation and relaxation norms for SC, ST, PwD and OBC-NC students. The minimum graduation percentage is relaxed to 45% for SC, ST and PwD categories. The table below details seat reservation percentages at IIMs alongside the corresponding minimum graduation requirement.
| Category | Seat Reservation at IIMs | Min. Graduation Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General | Open merit | 50% |
| EWS | 10% | 50% |
| OBC-NC | 27% | 50% |
| SC | 15% | 45% |
| ST | 7.5% | 45% |
| PwD | 5% (horizontal reservation) | 45% |
To claim category benefits, upload valid certificates — caste certificate, EWS certificate or PwD certificate — at the time of CAT registration. These details are verified by each IIM from which you receive an interview call.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum graduation percentage required for CAT 2026?
Ans. General, EWS and OBC-NC students need at least 50% aggregate marks in graduation. SC, ST and PwD students require a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
Ques. Is there an age limit for CAT 2026?
Ans. No. There is no upper or lower age limit for CAT 2026. Any graduate who meets the educational qualification can register regardless of age.
Ques. How many times can I attempt CAT?
Ans. There is no restriction on the number of CAT attempts. You can appear every year. Each year’s score is valid only for that year’s admission cycle.
Ques. Can final year graduation students apply for CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes. Students in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are eligible to register for CAT 2026. Admission will be provisional and subject to completing the degree with the minimum required percentage.
Ques. Are CA and CS holders eligible for CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes. Holders of professional degrees such as CA, CS or ICWA are eligible for CAT 2026 provided they meet the minimum percentage requirement as recognised by the conducting IIM.
Ques. Is the CAT eligibility percentage based on all years or the final year only?
Ans. The minimum percentage is calculated as aggregate marks across all years or semesters of the Bachelor’s programme, not just the final year. CGPA holders must convert their score to a percentage using their university’s official conversion formula.
Comments